How many of us dreamed as kids that we would one day have an empire???? I have an even better question, what not? This is the question that has consumed my mind over the past few weeks as the knock on the door of opportunity grows increasingly louder. With every task or journey that I embark upon, I find myself at times questioning if this new task, this new gig, this new means of exposure is too much for my plate to handle. I always revert to those little girl dreams of “I just wanna sing!” But really, are the possibilities my life can hold, the potential I believe was pre-determined by God, my life’s path limited to just singing? I am starting to realize that maybe I was put here to do more than share my song.
I have to be honest, I never saw myself doing anything more than getting on someone’s stage at someone’s club or arena and singing my little heart out hoping that the people listening would enjoy the experience as much as I enjoyed sharing. Now, 5 years out of college, 10 years (yikes!) out of high school, an adult with adult issues, adult BILLS and life well on its way, I am standing at the threshold of my stamp on history, my empire. Now does that mean I am going to take over the world? Of course, not but the world is literally at my finger tips and I am now armed with the knowledge, the confidence, the talent and most importantly the passion to want to leave a positive lasting impression on every person I come in contact with. I have always seen my name in the big flashing lights however I stand today with that dream as a true possibility. I am building TinaB., Inc. and for the first time since realizing my dream’s full potential, I am starting to like the idea. I’m getting into my groove.
I am a true believer that no one knows the time, the place or the hour but when God or whomever or where ever one gets their strength and source of balance from acts on your life; when the plants are lined up just right; when all the pieces of the puzzle are in place and its only a matter of locking them in; it is time to walk the path that was made just for you. For me, the time to act is now. I must confess that I get nervous sometimes at the thought but unlike in times previous, I have a certain peace over me albeit the labor that is required has yet to begin. The peace for me is my sign that I am doing the right thing, at the right time with the right people. There is nothing like the calm that comes with knowing you are walking on the road built for you. There is almost a divine quality to it and I love it!
I have some suggestions on how to get one started on focusing on their purpose and get the wheels in motion for believing in having brand name success.
1) Start small: list your passions NOT what you are good at. How do you know if it is a passion? Whoopi Goldberg gave the best advice that I ever heard as a nun on Sister Act 2 (yes I know…lol). Sister Mary Clarence (Goldberg) told Lauryn Hill’s character, that if singing is the last thing she thought about before she went to sleep and is the first thing she thought about when she got up then she was suppose to be a singer.
2) Ask yourself focus questions on the various passions. For example, my passion is music. So focusing on the passion would mean asking myself, “Do I want to compose music, produce music, play music, record music, sing music, etc, etc.”
3) Once those questions are answered then the research starts meaning finding teachers, classes, productions, discussions, lessons, trainings, workshops, etc. Not only will it start giving you the experience and knowledge but it is also a wonderful networking tool. The statement, “It’s not what you know but who you know”, is something to ALWAYS keep in mind. I will admit, this is where I get caught up sometimes and I am sure this is where A LOT of people get caught up. WHY????? Because this is where the HARD work comes in. This is where slight DISAPPOINTMENT comes in and this is where your MOTIVATION and DETERMINIATION or lack thereof begins to surface.
4) Once you are satisfied with your research then it’s time for trial and error also known as practice. One has to practice their craft in order to perfect it.
Again, the above mention notes were just some tips to get started. For all those nervous about pursuing their goals, I say to you YES be nervous in fact be VERY NERVOUS. The idea of being great, spectacular, one of a kind, etc is no simple notion and should not be taken lightly. However, not maximizing on one’s full potential is a crime and leaves a trail of regret so long that it can potentially be very damaging to you and those around you. You don’t want to live a life of “What if this…” or “What if that…”. Those are the people that I like to refer to as people who are always getting ready to do something great or getting ready to do something spectacular. The time for talking is over and the time to act is now.